Sheriff's Deputy Shot In Florence

FLORENCE (CBSLA.com) — A Sheriff's deputy has been shot in Florence.

There is no word on the deputy's condition. When the deputy arrived at the hospital, he was "responsive and alert," reported CBS2 and KCAL9 reporter Rob Schmitt.

Derek Bell, reporting in Sky9, said the deputy was taken to a nearby hospital by squad car. Officials on the scene did not wait for an ambulance to arrive.

Bell also said a thirty-block area was being cordoned off in a search for a suspect or suspects.

The deputy was reportedly a member of the anti-gang unit known as Operation Safe Streets (OSS.)

It is not known if the deputy was shot by a gang member.

Bell said "at least" ten squad cars had responded to the scene.

The shooting occurred just after 9:30 in the area of E. 81st Street and Zamora Avenue.

They are reportedly looking for "multiple" suspects, reported Schmitt.